The government has simplified the registration of seafarers' ID cards: documents can be obtained even abroad

On June 18, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted two important decisions aimed at improving the process of registration, issuance and exchange of seafarers' ID cards. The innovations include both technical changes in the procedure and the creation of mechanisms for obtaining documents by Ukrainian seafarers who are currently abroad. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine.

One of the key steps was the adoption of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers "On Seafarers' ID Cards", which provides for a gradual transition to a new type of document - a card with a contactless electronic carrier. Such a document will allow to increase the level of personal data protection, ensure operational identification of persons, and also simplify integration with the Unified State Demographic Register.

In addition, the functions of the Shipping Administration have been clearly regulated, which will now have a specific role in the procedure for issuing certificates. This will minimize corruption risks, strengthen control and ensure transparent interaction of all participants in the process.

Special attention has been paid to Ukrainian seafarers temporarily abroad. A pilot project has been approved that provides the opportunity to remotely issue or exchange a seafarer's identity card. For this, seafarers can contact the specialized "Service Center for Maritime and River Transport", which will operate in Warsaw (Poland). The project will be valid until the end of martial law or for two years.

The Ministry emphasized that these innovations are a logical continuation of the reform in the field of maritime education, training and certification. The main goal is to make procedures more accessible, digitalized and secure, ensuring that Ukrainian seafarers can receive documents even in wartime or while abroad.

Thus, the adopted changes should be an important step towards modernizing the maritime transport industry and creating favorable conditions for the work of Ukrainian seafarers both at home and abroad.